"Winky?"
Harry repeated blankly.
"The House-elf Crouch threw out after the World Cup."
Hermione could not even be bothered to use an honorific, showing just how dissatisfied she was with Crouch's actions. "When I was looking through the Daily Prophet today, I found that Sirius mentioned how Crouch's House-elf proved that Little Barty Crouch was still alive. To be honest, I'm a bit worried about Winky."
"Why are you worried..." Ron had not finished before Hermione cut him off.
"When I went to visit Winky, I found that the poor thing had completely broken down emotionally."
Hermione sympathized with Winky and felt it was unfair to her.
"Didn't Crouch already throw her out?" Ron was even more confused.
"Winky still can't forget that man. Anyway, come with me first." Hermione led the two of them toward the kitchens beneath the Great Hall.
"Then why are you looking for Albert?" Ron had not forgotten that Hermione had originally wanted Albert's help.
"Dobby told me that Albert is very popular among the House-elves. Maybe he can help solve Winky's problem."
Because of the House-elf Liberation Front, Hermione had now become one of the least welcome people in the House-elves' eyes. Though they had not driven her out of the kitchens, Hermione could still feel the looks of distaste and rejection from them.
"Albert is popular with House-elves?" Harry thought House-elves were enthusiastic toward everyone.
"Yes, very popular." Hermione nodded. "Albert is very kind to House-elves. Every Christmas Holiday, he gives them Christmas Gifts, so lots of House-elves are willing to work for him."
"He gives House-elves Christmas Gifts?"
Though Harry had done the same himself, he still felt Albert was a little... hypocritical.
"Albert's Tom is sometimes looked after by House-elves." Hermione continued, "I heard from Dobby that House-elves prepare Midnight Snacks